Abstract: A fuel cell system extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water. A preferred embodiment is a fuel cell system, for the production of electricity from hydrogen gas and an oxidant, comprising: (a) a fuel cell comprising an anode input for a hydrogen-containing anode supply stream, a cathode input for an oxidant-containing cathode supply stream, and a cathode output for cathode effluent comprising water produced by said fuel cell; and (b) a water transfer device, connected to said fuel cell, that transfers water from said cathode effluent to said anode supply stream.

Abstract: A thermally-activated exhaust treatment device, such as a catalytic converter, for vehicles includes a core having an inner housing and a catalytic material. A jacket includes an outer housing enclosing the inner housing, but characteristically not contacting the inner housing. The inner and outer housings include walls forming a vacuum-drawn sealed insulation cavity around the inner housing. A temperature-activated variable insulator device is positioned within the outer housing and includes a hydrogen source and controls for controlling the variable insulator device. A vacuum-maintenance device is incorporated into the insulation cavity, and includes a small container, getter material positioned in the container, and a porous member allowing gas in the insulation cavity to communicate with the getter material. A multi-layered radiation shield is positioned in the vacuum space and is loosely coupled to the inner housing. A vacuum detector includes a visible indicator of the vacuum in the insulation cavity.

Abstract: A fuel cell system extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water. A preferred embodiment is a fuel cell system, for the production of electricity from hydrogen gas and an oxidant, comprising: (a) a fuel cell comprising an anode input for a hydrogen-containing anode supply stream, a cathode input for an oxidant-containing cathode supply stream, and a cathode output for cathode effluent comprising water produced by said fuel cell; and (b) a water transfer device, connected to said fuel cell, that transfers water from said cathode effluent to said anode supply stream.

Abstract: A compact cylindrical vaporizer for simultaneous reduction of a reformate stream temperature and generation of a process stream is disclosed. The vaporizer utilizes counter flowing nested tubular portions that spiral between an outer section of the vaporizer and a central section of the vaporizer. The return spiral has a larger cross-sectional area than the inward spiral to accommodate a higher volumetric flow rate of the water flowing there through as it vaporizes while keeping the fluid velocity below erosion design constraints. The counter spiraling flow provides a substantially uniform spatial temperature profile of a reformate stream flowing on the exterior of the tubular portions. The vaporizer can be sized to be substantially the same as that of an upstream reactor to minimize velocity losses and pressure drops in the reformate stream flowing there through. A plurality of fins are positioned between the opposing tubular portion to enhance the heat transfer.

Abstract: A fuel processor for rapid start and operational control. The fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation reactor for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a plurality of H2—O2 fuel cells. A heating and cooling mechanism is coupled to at least the shift reactor for controlling the critical temperature operation of the shift reactor without the need for a separate cooling loop. This heating and cooling mechanism produces or removes thermal energy as a product of the temperature of the combustion of air and fuel. Anode effluent and cathode effluent or air are used to control the temperature output of the heating mechanism. A vaporizer is provided that heats the PrOx reactor to operating temperature.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer that is supplied with water vapor extracted from the reformer's effluent stream. In particular, the present invention provides a power plant fuel processor for the production of hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel, comprising: (a) a reactor for the production of hydrogen using an oxidant, water and hydrocarbon fuel; and (b) a water transfer device that transfers water vapor from the reformate produced by said reactor to the oxidant used by said reactor, comprising a water-transfer membrane.

Abstract: Improving fuel processor efficiency via steam integration from a liquid-cooled high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) stack is disclosed. A portion of the water used for stack cooling is re-condensed via ambient air and recycled to the HT-PEMFC stack. The remaining portion is diverted to the fuel processor to meet the fuel processor's steam needs. The entire fuel processor heat therefore is devoted to superheating the steam, and in some cases the fuel and/or air used in the reforming process.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water. A preferred embodiment is a fuel cell system, for the production of electricity from hydrogen gas and an oxidant, comprising: (a) a fuel cell comprising an anode input for a hydrogen-containing anode supply stream, a cathode input for an oxidant-containing cathode supply stream, and a cathode output for cathode effluent comprising water produced by said fuel cell; and (b) a water transfer device, connected to said fuel cell, that transfers water from said cathode effluent to said anode supply stream.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer that is supplied with water vapor extracted from the reformer's effluent stream.